Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

disoriented for a moment as I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies Charlotte;

but when I listen, there is a

an elbow, I take a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has

Her father…

Christ…

lost that sallow hue, and her

Babe…

line of high cheekbones with a fingertip. Her lids flutter,

see Charlotte… my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but

reaching to touch me, she smiles.

her face, “How are you

fine. Really, I’m

did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace my finger with my lips, kiss her softly. “But it’s good to

dropping her gaze, she

you really want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s still what you want?

Her voice is a whisper. “Is that

said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I know.

of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder. “I missed you. It was lonely in that

“But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own

“You mean

share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He

chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds

flare and she sits bolt upright. “God,

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago